Licensing Guides
Missouri Plumbing License: How to Become an Plumber in Missouri
Plumbing, MO
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Missouri
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Missouri?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Missouri?
Does My Missouri Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Missouri?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Missouri?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Missouri employs 7,900 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Missouri, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 4% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Missouri in July 2025 totaled 150,300, an increase of 3,400 (2.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 21,300 or 17% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. The state of Missouri has strict standards for working in the plumbing business, beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Missouri
Is a license required for plumbers in Missouri? Yes.
To perform any plumbing work legally in Missouri, you must be licensed at the local level, not the state level.
Local municipalities are responsible for oversight. By state statute, candidates for journeyman and master plumber certification must take an exam to work in a city with a population of 15,000 or more. (Missouri Revised Statutes 341.010 and 341.020)
Kansas City and St. Louis are the most populous cities in Missouri, and both enforce strict plumbing licensing requirements. Apprentice plumbers must work under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber to gain the knowledge needed to pass the exam and the experience required to apply for a journeyman certificate of qualification. The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue certificates of qualification at both the Journeyman and Master levels.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Missouri
What are the types of plumber licenses in Missouri?
To recap, Missouri licenses plumbers, general contractors, and electricians at the local level, and experience requirements vary from city to city.
St. Louis
St. Louis County issues three types of plumber licenses:
Plumbing Apprentice: Can work directly under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
Journeyman Plumber: Can work independently under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
Master Plumber: Can run their own plumbing business, supervise other plumbers, and handle more complex projects.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice Plumber License
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must be employed by a licensed Master Plumber and be currently receiving on-the-job training.
Must register with the Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $10 registration fee.
Journeyman Plumbing License
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must obtain at least five years of work experience via a plumbing apprenticeship program and submit a signed letter from your employer verifying the experience.
Must pass the Journeyman exam with the St. Louis County Missouri Board of Plumber & Drainlayer Examiners.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $30 license fee.
Master Plumbing License
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must obtain two years of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Must pass the Master exam with the St. Louis County Missouri Board of Plumber & Drainlayer Examiners.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $30 license fee.
Kansas City
Kansas City issues two types of plumber licenses. Apprentice plumbers are not licensed. They simply need to register as an apprentice.
Journeyman Plumber: Can work independently under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
Master Plumber: Can run their own plumbing business, supervise other plumbers, and handle more complex projects.
Apprentice Plumber
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must start an apprenticeship approved by the Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and work under a licensed Master Plumber.
Journeyman Plumber License
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must obtain a minimum of two years of work experience in an apprenticeship and under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
Must submit a certificate of qualification and two letters of reference verifying experience.
Must pass the Journeyman exam administered by Prometric or the International Code Council.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $60 license fee.
Master Plumber License
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Must obtain at least one year of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Must submit a certificate of qualification and two letters of reference verifying experience.
Must pass the Master exam administered by Prometric or the International Code Council.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $60 license fee.
Missouri Contractor License
Similar to plumbing licenses, Missouri also issues contractor licenses at the local level.
St. Louis requires all contractors to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License. In Kansas City, contractors need a Residential Plumbing Contractor license. The requirements typically include registering your business with the Secretary of State, obtaining a business license and sales tax number, passing an exam, and obtaining general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Check out our complete guide on How to Become a General Contractor in Missouri to learn more.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Missouri
You must be at least 18 years old in most Missouri cities.
Register as an apprentice. Apprenticeships are available through union and trade organizations, as well as local plumbing businesses.
In St. Louis County, you must work as an apprentice for at least five years to qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license. In Kansas City, you need two years of experience to qualify for a Journeyman license.
After acquiring the necessary work experience, apply to take the license examination associated with your license classification.
Submit the required application and pay the fee associated with your classification. The fee in St. Louis for Journeyman and Master licenses is $30; in Kansas City, it’s $60 for Journeyman and Master licenses.
If you want to be a Plumbing Contractor, you will need to meet licensing requirements in the city where you plan to work. You typically need to obtain general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and a surety bond. Most cities require you to hold a Master Plumber license or employ a licensed Master Plumber.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Missouri?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Missouri is $70,380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Missouri those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,700
Senior (4-7 years): $73,300
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Missouri?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Missouri is fairly low. The fee for the apprentice registration in St. Louis is just $10, while Kansas City requires no registration fee. There are application and exam fees for licensing.
St. Louis
Apprentice: $10 registration fee
Journeyman: $30 license fee, $30 exam fee
Master: $30 license fee, $30 exam fee
Graduated Business License (for contracting): Fees vary based on number of employees.
Kansas City
Journeyman: $60 license fee, $100 exam fee
Master: $60 license fee, $100 exam fee
Residential Building Contractor: $55 license fee, $155 exam fee
Advanced education is not required in the state, though you may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing an apprenticeship. Community College Review shows tuition at Missouri community colleges on average is $4,393 per year for in-state students and $6,050 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Missouri
To recap, Missouri state law mandates plumbing licenses are issued at the local level, so licensing requirements vary across the state.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Most cities in Missouri require anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to begin as an apprentice. In St. Louis, you must complete a five-year apprenticeship to qualify for a Journeyman license. There is a $10 registration fee. In Kansas City, an apprentice must complete two years of work experience to qualify for a Journeyman license. There is no registration fee.
Many Missouri employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts two to five years, depending on the locality. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. Missouri’s Apprentice Connect program maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply to take the licensing exam at your desired level. Journeyman and Master candidates must take the licensing exam administered by the St. Louis County Missouri Board of Plumber & Drainlayer Examiners. You must submit the application for examination and pay the $30 fee.
In Kansas City, you must apply for examination via the city’s CompassKC portal. After gaining approval, you will take the Journey or Master licensing exam via Prometric or the International Code Council. The exam fee is $100 for each license.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: In St. Louis, you must submit this application for Journeyman and Master licenses along with an affidavit verifying your work experience and the $30 fee. In Kansas City, you must apply for licensure via the CompassKC portal and pay the $60 license fee.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Missouri?
In St. Louis, it takes five years to qualify to take the Journeyman Plumbing exam and an additional two years as a Journey Plumber to qualify to take the Master Plumber license exam.
In Kansas City, it takes two years to become eligible for a Journeyman license, and an additional one year to qualify for the Master Plumber exam.
For contractors, there are no experience requirements for the St. Louis Graduated Business License or the Kansas City Residential Building Contractor license, so it’s relatively quick to complete the application process and become registered or licensed.
Missouri Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must also protect public health and know plumbing code.
Since the state of Missouri requires plumbing professionals to begin their career as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are quite a few colleges in Missouri that offer plumbing programs, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Here's a great list of the best plumbing colleges and universities in Missouri:
Niche: 2025 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Missouri
Many of the same colleges or programs appear on both of these lists.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Missouri’s Apprentice Connect program maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Some apprenticeships are sponsored by local employers, while others are offered through unions or local trade associations. Local 178, serving Springfield, and Local 8 in Kansas City are just two examples.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, drainage systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Missouri, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Missouri.
Missouri Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
According to state law, every city with a population of 15,000 or more must require plumbers to take an exam before licensure.
In Kansas City, applicants have to receive a passing score on the Journeyman Plumbing examination administered by Prometric or the ICC. Applicants will be mailed an examination registration form and information concerning examination fees, content, format, references, dates, locations, and deadlines. Only one test can be taken per one-month period. The testing agency will send the applicant a letter confirming the date, time, and location of the exam. The exam fee is $100.
In St. Louis, you’ll need to apply for examination using this form and pay the $30 examination fee. You must include notarized letters verifying the required work experience. Upon the approval by the Board of Examiners, you will be mailed an examination registration packet for the selected testing agency. You must take the exam within seven months of the date on the registration form.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Missouri?
The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue certificates of qualification at both the Journeyman and Master levels.
St. Louis requires all contractors to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business license from the city’s Building Division. In Kansas City, contractors need a Residential Plumbing Contractor license from the City Planning & Development Department.
Does My Missouri Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since every city or local jurisdiction has its own process for licensing, there are no blanket reciprocal agreements between Missouri and any other state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Missouri?
Missouri doesn’t offer plumbing license reciprocity with any other states.
However, reciprocity between municipalities in Missouri is handled on a case-by-case basis. In most localities, if you can demonstrate the requisite experience and passage of a comparable test, you will qualify for a plumber’s license at your current level.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Missouri
Licensing periods vary from place to place. In Kansas City, a license must be renewed every four years, and you will have to pay a $181 renewal fee. In St. Louis, it’s every three years and the renewal fee is $30.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Missouri?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Missouri. Options include:
Morgan Miller Plumbing Scholarship: Offers a full scholarship covering one full year of the Plumbing Technology Certification program at Johnson County Community College.
Mechanical Contractors of Eastern Missouri: Offers one-time $2,500 awards for students attending an accredited technical or trade school, with any field of study, including plumbing.
Building Bright Futures Scholarship: Designed to support students pursuing vocational and technical training in construction-related fields such as plumbing. The program offers scholarships up to $5,000.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Missouri can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Missouri community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Missouri?
You can verify a plumbing license by visiting the Kansas City Department of Planning & Development or St. Louis County Department of Public Works. Users can search by name, business name, or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Missouri?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Each city or town has different laws, but some of the common reasons that a Missouri plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Missouri plumbing license regulations, you can refer to the official Revised Statutes of Missouri or each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Missouri?
According to the St. Louis Municipal Code on Licensing, violating licensing requirements can result in:
A fine between $100 and $500, and/or
Imprisonment in the City Workhouse for up to 90 days.
Additional penalty of $100 for every 10 days the individual remains without the proper license.
In Kansas City, violating the Zoning and Development Code can lead to stop work orders, denial of further work permits, and penalty fees. The first violation in a 12-month period can incur a fee up to $200, with each day counting as an additional offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Missouri plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Revised Statutes of Missouri or each jurisdiction.
Continuing Education
In St. Louis, each licensee must complete a minimum of twelve PEUs (Professional Education Units) of instruction approved by the Board of Plumbing Examiners. PEUs must be completed before license renewal. Kansas City doesn’t require continuing education for plumbers.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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